Full Breakdown
Helicopter Crash During Dome Fire Suppression in Yosemite
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On September 20, 2026, a Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma contracted to the U.S. Forest Service crashed while conducting water-bucket drops on the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park. The two crew members—pilots Greg King and Ryan Cutter—were killed. The crash occurred southeast of Ostrander Lake, roughly nine miles south of El Capitan and seven miles northeast of Wawona. The FAA and NTSB opened investigations; the NTSB will issue a preliminary report within 30 days.
Background & Context
The Dome Fire ignited on September 15, 2026 near Wawona Dome and quickly spread across steep, roadless terrain. By the day after the crash the fire had burned more than 3,000 acres and was about 15 % contained. California Incident Management Team 3 manages the blaze with ground crews and aerial assets; water-dropping helicopters are essential because the terrain limits ground access.
Timeline
- September 15, 2026 – Dome Fire reported near Wawona Dome.
- September 20, 2026 – Super Puma conducting bucket drops crashes shortly before 3 p.m.; both pilots killed.
- September 21, 2026 – Remains of King and Cutter recovered and taken to Mariposa County coroner’s office.
- Following days – FAA and NTSB launch investigations; preliminary findings due within 30 days.
Data & Statistics
- Fire size: 3,000–3,222 acres burned.
- Containment: 15 % as of the Monday after the crash.
- Personnel on the fire: 550–581 firefighters and aviation crews.
- Helicopter type: Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma, a four-bladed, twin-engine medium helicopter first flown on September 13, 1978.
- National context: The incident raised the 2026 U.S. wildfire-related death toll to at least 18, above the recent decade’s average of 17.
Official Statements & Responses
Fly Precision, the contractor operating the aircraft, issued a social-media statement expressing grief and requesting privacy for the families. The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation, with the NTSB slated to travel to the remote crash site when fire conditions permit. California Incident Management Team 3 emphasized that the fire remains a “full suppression fire” and that all available resources are being deployed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is with unimaginable sadness and broken hearts that we share the loss of two beloved members of our team,” — Fly Precision
- “The two pilots aboard, who were the only people on the aircraft, were killed,” — Benjamin Cossel, spokesperson for California Complex Incident Management Team 3
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Personnel counts: Outlets reported roughly 580 firefighters, while others cited 550 or 581, reflecting differing updates from incident command.
- Pilot identification: Early reports listed only Greg King; the second pilot’s identity, Ryan Cutter, was confirmed later.
- Exact cause: All sources agree the cause is “unknown” and under investigation; no details on mechanical failure, weather, or human factors have been released.
What’s Next
The NTSB will examine wreckage, engines, rotor systems, and flight data, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days. Federal aviation authorities will continue to monitor the Dome Fire, which remains at 15 % containment, while additional aerial resources are being allocated to maintain suppression efforts. Visitors to Yosemite are advised to check National Park Service alerts for trail closures and air-quality advisories.